State aid: Commission approves €1 million Finnish scheme to support fishery and aquaculture sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €1 million Finnish scheme to support the fishery and aquaculture sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of direct grants to cover costs such as reasonable salary and travel costs, investments in installation, alteration and repair of machinery and equipment and training of staff. The purpose of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs and to help them continue their activities during and after the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed € 270,000 per company; and (ii) the scheme will run until 30 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.61987 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.